Jan. 7, 2010
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The 19th-ranked Purdue men's swimming and diving team completed the first day of a three-day dual Thursday evening having jumped out to a 30-4 lead over Michigan State inside the Boilermaker Aquatic Center.
"This is the first time we have raced in six weeks, and we had a season-best time in the 200 medley relay," head coach Dan Ross said. "We also had two really good 800 freestyle relays, so we feel really good. We appreciate Michigan State coming down and doing this with us. We had a great 800 free battle. There are two sessions to go, and we are going to train tomorrow morning. I thought it was important for us to at least simulate what it's like to do these relays for the first day of Big Tens."
In an attempt to mirror the format for next month's Big Ten Championships, the teams only contested two relay events. Purdue opened the meet with a victory in the 200-yard medley relay as Chris Pfaff, Aaron Koger, Jimmy Brooks and Ben Wachtel touched the wall in 1 minute, 30.89 seconds to better the field and record the fastest time by a Purdue foursome this season. Chuck Destro, Albert Miller, Brendan Joyce and Gage Barry contributed second-place points to the team's cause by finishing in 1:32.91.
In the evening's final event, A.J. Boeh, Andrew Starr, Matt Stewart and Ben Wachtel combined to win the 800 freestyle relay in 6:46.58. The quartet was followed immediately by Barry, Alec LaMothe, Sam Wilcher and Drew Wolfred in 6:47.27.
The dual continues Friday with eight events in the pool. Action begins at 6 p.m. ET from inside the Boilermaker Aquatic Center. Admission is free, and live results can be found at purduesports.com.